Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord (Cycle B, Year II)
Community Word: Jesus Christ is the Light that leads us to the Truth.
Theme: We are led to the truth when we look to Jesus as our Redeemer.
Promise: “… you shall be radiant at what you see… the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.” (Is 60:5)
Reflection:
On the Solemnity of the Epiphany, we celebrate the manifestation of Jesus to the world and His unconditional love for all. It is a celebration of light through the bright guiding star observed by the wise men of the East. As they followed the star of Bethlehem, they were amazed to discover the Light of the world, Jesus Christ.
It was a simple encounter, yet deeply meaningful, that profoundly touched the hearts of the three magi. The magi were non-Jews and the first gentiles to whom Jesus chose to reveal Himself. As wise and learned pagans, but men of goodwill, they searched for the Messiah who they knew about in their scholarly and astrological studies. Thus, when the long awaited star appeared, their strong determination and belief led them to begin an arduous journey to look for the Divine Savior. They found Him, a newborn King in a manger, to poor parents. In spite of such poverty, the magi gave homage and gifts befitting a royalty: gold – a gift to honor a king; frankincense – perfume for a priest; and myrrh – as anointing oil, pre-figuring Christ’s death.
As Christians, we too have our own guiding star and light – our faith. Faith is the guide in our life-long journey to the Father. We imitate the magi in our faith journey and follow their example in diligently searching for Jesus, to be close to Him as we seek His guidance and blessings. The star that shines in our life can change us powerfully when we begin to see more clearly the truth about ourselves, our relationship with God, others and community.
As we begin the New Year, let us be attentive to our star of faith that leads us to the Light of Christ. Our life is all about finding Jesus who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. And as we have found Him in our life, we may also bring others to Him that they too may embrace Jesus as their Lord and Savior, as our theme for this week states: We are led to the truth when we look to Jesus as our Redeemer.
The Light of Christ continues to shine in our midst when we celebrate the Holy Eucharist. A life lived in the Eucharist brings unspeakable joy to one’s being amidst trials and tribulations. We receive Jesus in the Eucharist and we receive His light that keeps us going through the many challenges that we encounter. We radiate the light of Jesus to others and by our love and concern, lead them to embrace Him as we pass His light to them. As God gave us a mission to reveal Christ to others, we know that He will not abandon us because we will always feel His light shining in our hearts when we experience hope and joy.
With Christ in us, our joy is new every day. God is with us and He wants everyone to be saved. Thus He will always call us from our old life of sin to a new life with Him. We journey through the various stages of our life, growing and bearing the losses that increase with time and age. There are days of celebration and sadness, of grace and sin, of realization, consolation and tribulation. But having found the Lord in our search for truth and light, we must believe that He will never abandon us and completely trust that God will always be faithful.
The glory of God is risen among us and we are blessed beyond what we deserve. Jesus, our Redeemer is here. Let us receive Him with great joy and be expectant of His promise in Isaiah: “…you shall be radiant at what you see …the wealth of nations shall be brought to you,” (Is 60:5).
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the star of hope and faith that lead us to Your Holy Word, teaching us to know, love, and serve You more each day and continually nourishing as we go through with our daily journey.
Almighty Father, as we look back to 2017, we are amazed that You are our God who remained manifested in our lives with such joy and power that enabled us to prevail the past year despite all odds and tribulations. Thank you for the love, mercy and graciousness accorded to us far beyond what we have expected and deserved. You are indeed a marvelous living God. We look at 2018 with excitement and expectant faith, and we pray that all our hopes and plans, both personal and communitarian, be in accord to Your holy will, all for Your greater honor and glory. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
1. At what moment in my life did I discover and start to feel God’s presence as I lived my life at home, work, in school and community?
2.Share the fullness of joy and hope that you have been experiencing since you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
January 7, 2018 (Sun) – Is 60:1-6/Ps 72:1, 2, 7, 8, 10-13/Eph 3:2, 3, 5, 6/Mt 2:1-12
January 8, 2018 (Mon) – 1 Sm 55:1-11/Is 12:2-6/Mk 1:7-11
January 9, 2018 (Tue) – 1 Sm 1:1-8/Ps 116:12-19/Mk 1:14-20
January 10, 2018 (Wed) – 1 Sm 3:1-10, 19, 20/Ps 40:2, 5, 7-10/Mk 1:29-39
January 11, 2018 (Thu) – 1 Sm 4:1-11/Ps 44:10.11, 14, 15, 24, 25/Mk 1:40-45
January 12, 2018 (Fri) – 1 Sm 8:4-7, 10-22/Ps 89:16-19/Mk 2:1-12
January 13, 2018 (Sat) – 1 Sm 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1/Ps 21:2-7/Mk 2:13-17
“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”
